A Kent academy has told its oldest pupils they will be split in boys' and girls' groups.

The youngsters who are affected are in year 11 at the Oasis Academy in Sheppey.

Parents were told at a meeting to mark the start of GCSE studies ahead of the exam season, which starts next May.

The split will only apply to English lessons.

The principal of the academy, which is split between two sites on the Island, spoke out about the decision saying the impact will be assessed in December.

John Cavadino said: "Oasis Academy: Isle of Sheppey has a successful English department that has consistently produced good outcomes for students including in the summer 2017 results.

"When analyzing these outcomes, we identified that girls had performed better than boys.

"In order to ensure every student gets the best results possible, we are trialing single gender teaching in Year 11 English and will review the impact of this at Christmas."

When asked about how many people would be affected by the measure Mr Cavadino added that eight classes will be trialled in the scheme across both sites.

He said: "Our English department has four classes of year 11 girls and four of year 11 boys, and we are retaining a mixed gender class on each campus.

"We are committed to educational excellence, providing each of our young people with the teaching and learning environment that enables them to make the best possible progress."

It is understood there are just under 250 year 11 pupils across both the Sheerness and Minster campuses.